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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program

We care for people with obstructive and nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We provide thorough evaluation, genetic testing and counseling, treatment options guided by the latest research, and surgical or catheter-based septal reduction when needed.
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Comprehensive care for your heart

HCM is a condition that thickens the heart muscle. It can cause serious issues such as heart rhythm disorders and heart failure. HCM is often hereditary, being passed down through families. Fortunately, many individuals with HCM do well with effective treatment.

The Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute offers extensive experience and deep expertise in diagnosing and treating HCM. We offer a family-based approach to this genetic disease and work every day to advance promising new treatments for HCM.

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Part of the Heart and Vascular Institute
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Our approach to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Treatments vary based on symptoms and testing results, so we tailor our approach to meet your needs. From medications to managing end-stage heart failure, we offer care that improves your quality of life.
Comprehensive evaluation

We carefully evaluate HCM and conditions that mimic it, like heart muscle thickening from high blood pressure.

Your care begins with reviewing your family history, a physical exam, and standard heart tests. Based on those results, our team may recommend more testing, such as:

  • Genetic testing
  • Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
  • Heart rhythm monitoring (a Holter or Zio patch)
  • Exercise stress test and stress echocardiogram
  • Cardiac MRI
Tailored treatment planning

When planning your treatment, we consider the impact of symptoms on your health and quality of life. We may start with medication like beta blockers. Where first line medications do not work, our team has been at the forefront of using cardiac myosin inhibitors to effectively relieve symptoms in patients with HCM.

If you need more advanced care, we offer specialized procedures, including alcohol septal ablation and surgical septal myectomy, to restore blood flow and improve your heart’s function.

A home for innovation in HCM
Our scientists were the first in the world to identify the genes and gene mutations associated with HCM. This discovery resulted in our team leading the development of cardiac myosin inhibitors, the first medication specifically designed for HCM.
Pioneers in alcohol septal ablation for HCM
We use alcohol septal ablation to treat some instances of obstructive HCM. The minimally invasive procedure involves injecting alcohol into the artery that supplies blood to the thickened heart muscle. The alcohol shrinks the enlarged muscle to restore blood flow. Our team has focused on refining this catheter-based treatment since we first performed it in 1998.
Extensive experience in HCM surgery
We offer world-class expertise in surgical septal myectomy, an open-heart procedure to remove thickened muscle that causes left ventricle outflow tract obstruction. After surgery, a team experienced in caring for HCM patients coordinates your care.
Monitoring for arrhythmia
HCM can lead to complex heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. We assess your risks at every visit. We also offer advanced treatments, such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), to keep your heart in rhythm.
A family-based approach
HCM is often an inherited condition caused by gene mutations that run in families. Many people want answers to help them make life and treatment choices. We go beyond the big picture with genetic screening for your family and advanced risk assessments.
Treating HCM in pregnancy
Managing HCM in pregnancy requires specialized care. We work with doctors in the Mass General Brigham Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy Program to provide specialized care for people who are pregnant or considering getting pregnant.
Innovative HCM research and clinical trials
We guide your care using the most advanced research breakthroughs, many of which are discovered here at Mass General Brigham. You may also have the opportunity to participate in new and promising treatments for HCM through our clinical trials.
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Our approach
We offer diagnosis and treatment for obstructive and nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, along with complications like arrhythmias and heart failure.
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Conditions and treatments

Our heart and vascular specialists

Your care is supported by a team of specialists who work together to understand your cardiovascular condition and create a personalized treatment plan. This team may include cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons, interventional specialists, radiologists, and experienced nurses.
An illustration of a care team.
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Call the Heart and Vascular Institute

8336422863
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Specialists

Patient story

Climber defies the odds to summit Everest after heart condition diagnosis

Peter Horsman's long-term dream was to summit the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

That dream nearly came to an end when he was diagnosed with HCM. Peter sought a second opinion at the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute. With his care team's guidance, he safely returned to climbing and eventually summited the tallest mountain in the world: Mount Everest.

Mountaineer in red climbing gear holding an ice axe on a snowy mountain summit, wearing an oxygen mask.
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Read Peter’s story
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The Heart and Vascular Institute offers specialized programs and services to support your heart health.

  • Heart Rhythm Disorders Program

    Find expert heart arrhythmia care near you. Our electrophysiology team provides advanced care for heart rhythm disorders across Boston and New England.

  • Heart and Vascular Institute

    Learn about the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute’s work to advance cardiovascular care, research, education, and community impact.

  • Heart Failure Program

    Find expert heart failure care near you. Mass General Brigham offers advanced therapies, transplant, and lifelong support across Boston and New England.

  • Heart Rhythm Disorders Program

    Find expert heart arrhythmia care near you. Our electrophysiology team provides advanced care for heart rhythm disorders across Boston and New England.

  • Cardiac Amyloidosis Program

    Find the answers you need at the Mass General Brigham Cardiac Amyloidosis Program. We offer innovative diagnostics, treatments, and clinical trials.

  • Heart Transplant Program

    Trust Mass General Brigham for world-class heart transplant care. We offer pioneering pre-transplant treatments, superior outcomes, and lifelong support.

  • Heart Valve Disease Program

    Get expert treatment for heart valve disease. Our specialists offer advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures, and heart valve surgery across New England.

  • Cardiovascular Performance Program

    Find specialized cardiac care for athletes, including pre-season screenings, fitness assessments, and surgical and non-surgical treatments for heart disease.

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation

    Safely after a heart attack, surgery, or cardiac event with expert cardiac rehabilitation. Get personalized care to rebuild strength and return to daily life with confidence.

  • Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program

    Get care for heart valve problems, heart failure, and other congenital heart diseases at the Mass General Brigham Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program.

  • Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy Program

    Get expert cardiac care for pregnancy at Mass General Brigham. We offer support for heart conditions to ensure the best outcomes for you and your baby.

  • Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program

    Manage your heart disease risk factors and get cardiac rehab support with the Mass General Brigham Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program.

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Heart and vascular clinical trials and research

Our research is shaping the future of heart and vascular care. We offer access to clinical trials and emerging therapies, including treatments that may not yet be widely available. Eligibility depends on a person’s diagnosis, treatment history, and more. Explore our research and clinical trials or talk with your care team to learn about available options.
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Explore our heart and vascular research
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Search clinical trials

Search open clinical trials for heart and vascular conditions

https://clinicaltrials.gov/
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Research

Explore articles featuring expert insights on heart and vascular care, patient experiences, and tips for managing a cardiovascular diagnosis.

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Contact the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
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833-642-2863
8336422863
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International Patient Services

Contact information for international patients

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